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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

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Home Care In Johns Island, SC

Home Care Johns Island, SC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Angel Oak Tree gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Johns Island, SC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Johns Island, SC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Best Senior Service Care in Charleston to work for. Christine and Rick are very positive and supportive and for that I love my Job.”

Naquala F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Very Professional and excellent staff.”

Mary J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Our family has been using the services of Always Best Care for the past six months and are grateful for the assistance provided to my elderly parents. Initially Rick, one of the owners, met with us along with my parents to closely assess their needs. His warm, friendly manner was helpful in persuading my father to give the assistance a try for two days per week. Rick listened carefully to choose the best match in caregivers, and we could not be more satisfied than we are with our parents' caregiver. She has quickly become essential in their lives and makes a huge difference in whether or not they can remain in their home. Her manner with my parents is professional, but loving, always--- always--- going the extra mile to meet their needs. She is knowledgeable, hard-working, caring, and trusted to do what is in their best interest. We are thankful that someone told us about Always Best Care and ever grateful for our caregiver.”

Merrie F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I cannot say enough wonderful things about Always Best Care Charleston! I am truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful team! Christine and Rick are very dedicated to the work that they are doing, and it shows in everything they do. I have never had the pleasure of working for a company with more passionate and involved owners. They show up for their clients and caregivers in every way possible. They go above and beyond to treat everyone like family and enrich the lives of those around them. I am so grateful to be able to be a part of this journey and cannot wait to see all the great things they will accomplish!”

Candice S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care caregivers have been taking care of Dad for over a year. We appreciate Christine and Rick very much. Quentin, Ann, Alexus , you and others have been a joy to have in our home and doing whatever needs to be done. You show your care and concern for Dad’s physical and emotional well being and you have become part of our family. I really rely on you when we can’t be home and know Dad is in good hands!!! Keep up the good work!!! Love you all.”

Milly H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Like most I was not prepared for the transition to being the responsible one for my Mom. Looking back there were signs of memory decline but after emergency surgery and move to rehab the combative paranoid person my sweet, witty, well read , soft spoken Mom became was shocking. Medication and skilled care were prescribed. Several missteps were made with both. Mom’s dark side resulted in first skilled care company dropping us which I totally understood. I was very straight with Christine and Rick regarding Mom’s recent ‘trips out on the ledge’. Rather than politely taking a pass on us...they spent 2 hours in person with us, 3 cumulative hours on the phone asking me questions and strategizing how to avoid the triggers that put Mom ‘on the ledge’, and 2 twelve hour days observing, testing and tweaking strategies. We are approaching 2 months with no major or reportable incidents. I don’t know how long this again found quality of life will last. I am thankful that one of the nurses referred me to ABC. I am tremendously thankful to be their client for the remainder of this journey.”

Suzanne F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We have had several senior services for my Mother that we were really not happy with, then we found Rick and his staff with Always Best Care. There name says it all ... always the best care. Their staff are warm, caring and assist my Mother seven days a week, and she loves seeing Rick. I couldn't ask for better care & highly recommend them to anyone who needs this type of service.”

ANDREA W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Good Afternoon! I hope you're doing well! I wanted you to know that my dad LOVES Rick and so does Amya!! I can't thank you guys enough for all that you guys are doing, not only for my father but me! Rick went out of his way today and that truly meant a lot :) My dad is so happy and that makes me happy! you guys rock!! thank you!!!”

Michelle H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“The absolute best caregiving company to work for hands down! Rick and Christine are genuine, loving individuals which make them amazing business owners/ bosses. They do not hesitate to make their employees and clients happy. I’m so thankful to have met these amazing people and be apart of their outstanding company.”

Haley J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“This is a great company to work for. All their caregivers are dedicated and caring.”

Anne L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“These people are lifesavers! We searched for months to find an in-home care agency for my aging mother. Previous agencies we used had high turnover and repeated no-shows, leaving us scrambling to adjust and worried sick about Covid exposure from a revolving door of caregivers. Christine and her staff came to our rescue and changed all that. Their caregivers were patient, loving, dedicated and RELIABLE. They provide service at the highest level and we would wholeheartedly recommend them to others. My mother deserves the best care and I wouldn't use anyone else.”

Brad/Barb H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has constantly provided quality care services for my wife over many months of required assistance. The caregivers provide professional services with a loving touch. They have always addressed any questions or concerns immediately with kindness. The administration checks with me, periodically, for a review and any input for improvement. I highly recommend this company.”

Larry B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Couldn’t imagine a better team of people to take care of my loved ones. Rick and Christine are the kindest and most genuine people. Their years of work in the customer service industry truly show through the care they provide to others. Aside from the physical and emotional care they provide, which is most important, they are reliable, punctual, trustworthy, and their connections with others last a lifetime. Everyone is family with Rick and Christine.”

Kaylyn W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Rick and Christine, of Always Best Care Charleston, are the exact people I would trust and choose to care for my aging loved ones. They are loving, patient, knowledgeable and extremely detail oriented. They have decades of experience in the customer service industry and truly value the relationships with each of their clients.”

Tricia J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I've known Christine and Ricky Johnson for more than 30 years and would highly recommend their services! They've built businesses from the ground up and this one is / will be a perfect fit for them and their clients. They come from, and have created, a large family where assisting others is part of their everyday lives. Their caring nature, solid work ethic and integrity will be highlighted through Always Best Care Senior Services Charleston and will be to the benefit of clients' loved ones.”

Michelle L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I joined Always Best Care as the Director of Operations about 3 months ago. I bring 15 years experience in senior living to this brand new non medical home care company. We have put together an excellent team of personal assistant’s and are ready to accept new clients.”

Lisa M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Christine and Rick for years. Their actions and words repeatedly demonstrate their high expectation of what it takes to nurture a loving family and to be active members of a positive, supportive community. Both clients and employees will benefit from their consistent standard of compassionate honesty & integrity as well as the positive energy they bring to every encounter. I recommend them without reservation.”

Corey H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I couldn't be happier that Ricky and Christine Johnson have joined Always Best Care Senior Services. From years of experience in dedicated customer service to the love and care of their own (and extended) family, this is a wonderful fit! The Johnson's tireless work ethic, attention to detail and heart for people should give family members of clients absolute confidence and trust in their care. Bravo!”

Caroline J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“How fortunate the Charleston community is to have Always Best Care to serve the needs of seniors. Rick and Christine Johnson, known for their dedication to helping others, have prayerfully commited to finding and nurturing the best team possible to assist them on this mission. Thank you, Rick and Christine, for offering families peace of mind for the care of loved ones.”

Diana F.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have known Christine and Rick Johnson both professionally and personally for over 20 years now. I know them to be caring and loving. I with no reservations would have them care for my 93 year old father, If I still lived in the Charleston area. I can not state a higher praise to their character and integrity than that. Allen Sandridge”

Allen S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Johns Island, SC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Johns Island, SC

Types of Elderly Care in Johns Island, SC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Johns Island, SC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Johns Island, SC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Johns Island County Park - Mullet Hall with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Johns Island, SC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Wild Olive Restaurant or visit Fort Johnson, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Johns Island, SC

Benefits of Home Care in Johns Island, SC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Johns Island, SC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Johns Island, SC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your SC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Johns Island, SC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Johns Island, SC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Johns Island, SC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Johns Island, SC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Dayspring Assisted Living of Johns Island
  • Island Oaks Living Center
  • Indigo Hall Assisted Living and Memory Care
  • Johns Island Post Acute
  • TerraBella James Island
  • Benton House of West Ashley
Home Care Johns Island, SC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Johns Island, SC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Johns Island, SC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Johns Island, SC

Latest News in Johns Island, SC

The Heyday is a new café with cocktails on tap and a fire pit now open on Johns Island

A new island café and bar on Johns Island is now open daily serving those who need a quick morning caffeine kick or an evening snack on the patio.The Heyday is a new eatery born from a love of the sea island lifestyle, embodying quintessential Lowcountry culture, said owner James Groetzinger.Open seven days a week, ...

A new island café and bar on Johns Island is now open daily serving those who need a quick morning caffeine kick or an evening snack on the patio.

The Heyday is a new eatery born from a love of the sea island lifestyle, embodying quintessential Lowcountry culture, said owner James Groetzinger.

Open seven days a week, The Heyday offers a brunch and supper menu centered on farm-to-table produce, fresh seafood and local purveyors. The counter-serve restaurant will have a full bar with cocktails on tap, along with a wraparound porch and fire pit.

“The design and feel of the space is that of a classic Charleston café with modern coastal touches, an ode to the historic farmlands of Johns Island with a fresh perspective,” said Groetzinger, owner of Island Provisions, a daytime café with locations on Johns Island and in downtown Charleston.

Menu highlights include the asparagus and goat cheese frittata for brunch and the grits and creamed collards with crispy flounder for supper.

“We got our she crab recipe from an old cookbook from some church ladies on Wadmalaw,” Groetzinger said, and guests can’t go wrong with the baked clams and spring salad specials.

The new restaurant, which Groetzinger designed and constructed, opened Jan. 24 in the 16-acre Hayes Park mixed-use development, joining Somm Wine Bar, High Steaks Butcher Shop and others.

“Hayes Park has several new businesses that are locally owned, as well as 56 townhomes for sale,” he said. “So we have actual homeowners on-property. It is meant to be a little village.”

Limehouse Bridge to add multi-use path, connecting Johns Island to downtown Charleston

Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold (WCIV)0CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Limehouse Bridge on Johns Island will soon have bike and pedestrian access.Charleston County Council approved a multi-million-dollar project Tuesday night to widen the existing bridge and build a nearly three-mile multi-use path.A proposed standalone bike and pedestrian bridge was removed from the project last year because the county didn’t have the resources to maintain it long term,...

Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold (WCIV)

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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCIV) — Limehouse Bridge on Johns Island will soon have bike and pedestrian access.

Charleston County Council approved a multi-million-dollar project Tuesday night to widen the existing bridge and build a nearly three-mile multi-use path.

A proposed standalone bike and pedestrian bridge was removed from the project last year because the county didn’t have the resources to maintain it long term, according to Herbert Nimz, engineering manager with Charleston County.

The nearly 10-foot-wide path for walkers and bikers won’t just get them from Johns Island to West Ashley. Officials said it will easily take people as far as downtown Charleston.

“It will also connect to the existing Glenn McConnell multi-use path, it'll connect to the West Ashley Greenway and ultimately take folks all the way to the planned connections to the Maryville Bikeway and then the Ashley River bicycle and pedestrian bridge,” said Katie Zimmerman, executive director of Charleston Moves.

READ MORE | "Chas. County to vote on alternative bike and pedestrian options for Main Road project."

After six months of brainstorming options, Charleston County engineers say they’re using Wonders Way on the Ravenel Bridge as inspiration.

The path will have eight-foot-tall barriers alongside traffic and the edge of the bridge, and officials say the number of travel lanes for cars will stay the same.

“It was never our intent to reduce vehicular traffic on the bridge. It was only to also accommodate cyclists and pedestrians,” Nimz said.

Funding for the widening of the bridge is coming from the county’s transportation sales tax.

READ MORE | "Traffic relief in sight for Highway 17 and Main Road, pedestrian bridge on hold."

Nimz said the project’s price tag is a fraction of the original cost.

“This option we're looking at is anywhere from $8 to $10 million,” he shared. “The standalone bridge itself was going to cost $40 million.”

Zimmerman said the county and South Carolina Department of Transportation’s move from a stand-alone bridge to the lane widening makes her hopeful about other stalled projects across the area.

“We've been having conversations for a long time around the North Bridge. We're still working with the county and the cities and the state a little bit on that,” she explained.

A construction timeline for Limehouse Bridge is still unknown, but Nimz said crews can likely be seen in the area as soon as this week.

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He said they hope to complete the project in four years.

City leaders to look at plan honoring 400-year-old Johns Island Angel Oak Tree

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A plan to highlight the beloved 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree and its surrounding land on Johns Island is being brought to city officials for approval to move forward.The Lowcountry Land Trust has been working on its initiative called the Angel Oak Preserve to unite the nine-acre City of Charleston property, where the Angel Oak Tree sits, with the surrounding 35 acres that the land trust owns.The goal is to create a community gathering space where visitors can learn more about the significance of the A...

JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCSC) - A plan to highlight the beloved 400-year-old Angel Oak Tree and its surrounding land on Johns Island is being brought to city officials for approval to move forward.

The Lowcountry Land Trust has been working on its initiative called the Angel Oak Preserve to unite the nine-acre City of Charleston property, where the Angel Oak Tree sits, with the surrounding 35 acres that the land trust owns.

The goal is to create a community gathering space where visitors can learn more about the significance of the Angel Oak Tree and the history of the site, all while preserving the land that was once threatened by development.

The land trust is proposing the addition of a welcome center on the property it owns, which would be placed at a safe distance away from the Angel Oak to protect the tree’s root system.

Liollio Architecture Principal Jay White says that their goal is to build as little as possible, as the importance of this initiative lies in preserving the Angel Oak Tree.

“When you drive up into the parking lot, you’ll be parking amongst the forestry landscape and if you come through the welcome center, which is really very modest, it’s about the size of a modest house and it provides restrooms, and offices for the staff, a gift shop of course and a gathering space for interpretive exhibits,” White says.

The project is estimated to cost $12 million. The land trust is about halfway to its goal and plans to continue to receive support through public and private donations.

“The Angel Oak is such a powerful symbol, so we envision this project as hopefully an ambassador site where other local communities can learn from it and replicate it, so it really stands as that deep connection between people and conservation and the community and the efforts to protect this tree. Also speak to the resilience of the communities who have lived for so long in relationship to this land,” Angel Oak Preserve Director at the Lowcountry Land Trust, Samantha Siegel, says.

Currently, there is a gift shop located on the nine-acre property that the city owns. The proposed plan includes tearing that down and moving it into the new welcome center, as it is located on top of the roots of the Angel Oak Tree.

Visitors also currently use Angel Oak Road to drive down and park to see the tree, but White says they plan to move parking further away and have guests approach the tree on foot, ensuring the preservation and well-being of the tree.

White says they plan to add walking trails for visitors to follow as they exit the welcome center, which will take them through the forested area before reaching the Angel Oak Tree.

White says once visitors reach the tree they plan to have an elevated wooden boardwalk surrounding it that will keep people off the tree to protect it.

He says that they will also highlight ecological footprints that archaeologists have found near the tree that were once the location of slave cabins. Plans also include a nature play area for children as well as outdoor classrooms where guests who come for tours can learn more about the tree and the site.

“It’s just going to be a really special, sacred place. It already is, but it’s going to be even more special, and we will really be able to honor the tree the way it should be. I think it’s a perfect example of a place where the culture and the ecology work together to create this magic,” Siegel says.

The public will still be able to access the Angel Oak Tree for free. There may be times when visitor traffic is busy and they might do a time slot system, but it would still remain free to guests.

White says once they get final approval they expect it will take about a year to build the welcome center and its features.

The City of Charleston’s Design Review Board will meet on Monday to vote on conceptual approval of the welcome center. If approved, it will have to move forward for preliminary and final approval.

Copyright 2025 WCSC. All rights reserved.

Construction will soon start on project that could alleviate traffic for Johns Island and West Ashley

Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection...

Charleston County is set to begin construction on a project that will alleviate traffic for West Ashley and Johns Island residents, officials told residents at the first quarterly update meeting for the road improvements March 13.

The project encompasses a number of improvements to help with traffic including construction of flyovers at the intersection of Main Road and U.S. Highway 17, an interchange at Main Road and Highway 17 for drivers who want to avoid the intersection, a bridge over CSX Railroad, a roundabout at the intersection of Main, Chisholm and River roads, and a widening of Main Road from River and Chisholm roads to the interchange ramps.

The improvements were originally part of a bigger project for Main Road, from Bees Ferry Road to Betsy Kerrison Parkway. The project was then split into three segments, with this segment first estimated to cost $130 million in 2020.

This now $354 million project — the largest infrastructure project in Charleston County history — is funded by the 2016 half-cent transportation sales tax.

Herb Nimz, county project manager, said during the county's quarterly project meeting on March 13 that they're still in the permitting process, but have worked on securing right-of-way acquisition. They're also currently doing test piles, or assessing the strength and stability of the columns that will support the interchange and flyovers. Plans are in the works to relocate utilities, like Charleston Water System and Dominion Energy, before construction starts in May, he said.

Most of the road work on Main Road and Highway 17 will take place at night, but residents should still expect some backup during construction, Nimz said.

"It's going to get worse before it gets better," Nimz said.

Residents in West Ashley and on Johns Island who live around the roads slated for changes have mixed feelings.

Jacob Andrew, a Johns Island resident, said he's excited about how the road project will help with traffic.

"It’s going to work," he said. "They could get it 50 percent right, and it would be better than the way it is now."

However, he worries about how traffic volume will only continue to increase around where he lives off Main Road as more people continue to move to the Lowcountry.

Census data shows the population of Johns Island's specifically surged from roughly 15,100 people in 2010 to almost 22,900 in 2021. More than 25,000 people are estimated to live on the island today.

The county will most likely be back to the drawing board in 10 years to come up with another solution, Andrew said.

Andrew is also unhappy the county cut plans for a bike and pedestrian bridge adjacent to the Limehouse Bridge that was previously included in the project. Nimz said he's met with the state Department of Transportation and is working to add at least a sidewalk to the bridge.

West Ashley resident Jamie Jacobs is looking forward to the changes, but worries congestion may remain as Main Road and Highway 17 are highly trafficked roads for people coming from West Ashley, Ravenel and Johns Island.

Ultimately, she said if the flyovers and interchange allow for commuters to no longer wait at the red light at the intersection of Main Road and Highway 17 for an hour, residents will be much happier.

Officials expect the project to be complete late September 2028.

After almost 4 years, a former Navy vessel is still stuck in the mud in SC. When will it leave?

JOHNS ISLAND—The 120-foot Navy vessel that locals call a blight on the landscape has remained stuck in the marshy waters of Wadmalaw Island for nearly four years since it first crossed into state waters. Agencies working to remove the ship say it will likely remain there as talks with the owner to secure the vessel's title continue.Despite a now yearsl...

JOHNS ISLAND—The 120-foot Navy vessel that locals call a blight on the landscape has remained stuck in the marshy waters of Wadmalaw Island for nearly four years since it first crossed into state waters. Agencies working to remove the ship say it will likely remain there as talks with the owner to secure the vessel's title continue.

Despite a now yearslong effort from two state environmental agencies and the U.S. Coast Guard, and cries from residents and leaders from the small coastal towns nearby, officials say their hands are essentially tied when it comes to getting the steel-hulled ship out of the water.

Derelict but not abandoned

Captain Dennetta Dawson, a law enforcement officer with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said DNR has had several conversations with the owner, Sam Kodaimati, to gain the title to the ship.

The vessel, renamed HAZAR once the owner purchased it at auction in 2021, is several hundred feet from an active boat launch, lurching in the bank of Bohicket Creek. However, it's technically not abandoned, according to the state's definition.

This July will mark four years since the ship got stuck in S.C. waters. A Coast Guard order prohibits Kodaimati from moving it somewhere else, though it's unlikely the 1980s-era vessel is in good working condition.

HAZAR needed over $2 million in repairs, including two engine overhauls, and mechanical and electrical work, when Kodaimati bought the vessel in March 2021.

Derelict seems a better word to fit the ship’s description. It's rusted, damaged and until recently, had evidence of oily water aboard, posing a serious risk to the surrounding water quality and ecosystem.

For a ship to be officially declared abandoned by SCDNR, the last known owner must not return to it or acknowledge any communication from the agency for 45 days. Then, the state can take possession of the abandoned property and start raising money to pay for its removal.

"When we have a boat that we deem or think is derelict or abandoned, we are able to tag it. Within that time, we are sending information out to the owner, trying to find the owner and within that 45 days, that owner has to lay claim or has to say that it's not a derelict boat," Dawson said.

But because SCDNR knows who owns the ship, and regularly interacts with him, the ship can't be considered abandoned. Dawson said these conversations have not been productive.

"Mr. Kodaimati has not relinquished the title to the boat yet," Dawson said. "Until we get title to that, or until it is really an abandoned boat, there's not much that we can do about it."

Removing the ship would prove expensive.

Dawson said Kodaimati has indicated that he doesn't have the money to salvage the ship. She added that even if the agency did take ownership of the vessel, they wouldn't have much money to remove it either.

There is no state funding available to assist SCDNR or the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services to pay for retrieving abandoned and derelict vessels. A bill recently introduced by the state Senate, the Waterways Protection Act, seeks to change that by requiring all South Carolina boat owners to pay a small tax to help fund derelict vessel removals.

In the meantime, the agency will partner with volunteer groups like Wounded Nature to pull the backlog of abandoned boats from Lowcountry waters.

Wounded Nature is funded solely through donations, partnering with salvage companies to complete the work at little to no cost. The nonprofit recently towed and demolished two sailboats left behind in the Stono and Ashley Rivers.

The retrieval and demolition would have cost around $12,000 without the donated time and manpower.

Rudy Socha, CEO of Wounded Nature, said in HAZAR's case, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars to tow, remove and salvage the hulking ship—and more if it falls further into disrepair.

"If it deteriorates much more, it's going to be a half-million-dollar job to get rid of that boat," Socha said.

Pollutants no longer on board

Last year, nearby residents raised alarm over the ship, telling The Post and Courier that HAZAR was an "ecological disaster" waiting to happen.

Steve Redman of Seabrook Island said he's called on the Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard, Department of Environmental Services and even the governor's office to hasten the ship's removal.

"When I saw this thing, I know that a 110 feet to 125 feet steel boat, there's no way it's supposed to be implanted in any ecological important area," Redman said.

His fears were validated last September. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed its oil-spill mitigation response in the fall, after evidence of water intrusion and oil on board the boat was confirmed.

All told, crews removed 3,500 gallons of oil and oily water from the vessel, USCG Lt. Michael Allen said.

With the mitigation complete, SCDES spokesperson Laura Renwick said the agency is continuing to work with the Coast Guard and DNR on vessel removal options, though the question of how long that may take has yet to be answered.

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